Compliance / Standards

Understanding BS EN 12464: Workplace Lighting

A detailed, practical breakdown of the European and British standard for indoor workplace lighting design and auditing.

What is BS EN 12464-1?

The standard BS EN 12464-1:2021 specifies the requirements for lighting solutions in most indoor work places. It sets out the necessary lighting criteria to maintain comfort and performance throughout professional task spaces.

Key Parameters Measured in Surveys

  1. Maintained Illuminance ($E_m$): The average value below which the illuminance on the task area is not allowed to fall.
  2. Uniformity ($U_0$): The ratio of minimum illuminance to average illuminance. Adequate uniformity stops workers suffering from fatigue when moving focus between high-contrast areas.
  3. Glare Rating (UGR): Limits direct glare produced by bright fixtures located within work vision spaces.